Bridle



(No Model) V J. A. REILS.

BRIDLE. No. 566,798; Patented Sept. 1, 18961- WITNESSES: HWE/VTUR (M)? @w/ 1, I BY 69 W K ATTORNEY.

UNITED STATES PATENT Grace,

JOHN A. REILS, OF OMAHA, NEBRASKA.

BRIDLE.

SPEGIFIGATION formingpart of Letters Patent No. 566,798, dated September 1, 1896.

Application filed February 21, 1896. Serial No. 580,252. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JOHN A. REILS, residing at Omaha, in the county of Douglas and State of Nebraska, have invented certain useful Improvements in Bridles; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawin gs, which form a part of this specification.

This invention has relation to a new and novel improvement in bridles, and comprises a combination bridle and halter having an adjustable bit.

The aim and object of my present invention are to provide a combination bridle and halter more especially adapted to be used in cavalry and fire-engine equipment, though the same is adaptable to general use. It is often necessary to retain cavalry and fireengine horses fully oaparisoned for a considerable length of time to keep them in readiness for instant service. However, every experienced horseman knows that it toughens the horses mouth to continually leave the bit in place, so that heretofore the method has generally been to provide the bridle with two snap-hooks adapted to engage two rings secure to the bit proper. This is objectionable in that the snap-hooks, even though they should be reversedand connected to the bit and snap into rings on the bridle, are liable to catch and hook into obstructions, and, further, the connections cannot always be instantly made, especially when the manipulators hands are numb or stiff with cold, the snap being too small an object to be readily grasped.

In my invention 1 secure the bit to the bridle by means of two spring connections, one upon each side, which springs are of a proper tension, and so permit the bit being drawn forward to pass out of the mouth and then be carried and held below the animals chin, from whence it needs to be simply carried to the animals lips, where the springs can be released as they will automatically draw the bit into proper place.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 shows my improved combination bridle and halter as secured to a horse, the bit bein g removed, while Fig. 2 shows an enlarged broken detail disclosing the arrangement of one of the bit-holding springs.

My invention comprises a combination bridle and halter of the usual form of construction, and comprises the nose-loop 2, the head-strap 3, and the main strap 5, as usual in bridle construction. The straps iand 3 are further secured by the connecting-strap 6, provided with a ring 7, following the construction of a halter. Secured upon each side and to the forward end of the main strap '5, and at its union with the strap 2, is a preferable leather loop A, which loop secures the metallic tubing B, which tube is practically closed at the forward end a, as is shown. This tubing preferably ends near the point where the strap 5 is secured to the strap 2, which straps are preferably connected by means of the loop 1. Working within the tube B and against the lower end of the same is a spring 0, which spring encompasses a bar D, which bar at its forward end is provided with the loop 9, and at its rear end with the plate 10,against which the said spring G works, to'hold this bar D in its highest upward position. Secured to this loop 9, by means of the strap 12, is the bit 13, connecting by means of the usual ring ll. These instrumentalities, the tube, spring, and loop-bar, are used in pairs, there being one upon each side of my combination bridle and halter. To the ring 14: are connected the reins or lines. The spring 0 is given a proper tension, so that when the bit is in the horses mouth the animal could force the same out.

The operation of my device would be as follows: In use for immediate service the bridle is secured to the horse in the usual manner, with the exception that the bit would be made to rest below the horses mouth, in which position the animal is permitted free movement of its lower jaw. Now when necessary the bit can be instantly inserted by simply grasping the same and drawing it against the tension of the springs, while at the same time holding it to the horses lips, where it can be released, as the springs will promptly and instantly draw the bit into proper position when the operation is completed. It is impossible to draw the bit out of the horses month by pulling upon the lines, and the bit can only through its inner one; combined with a rod provided with a loop at its lower end, an ad 15 justable plate securedto the upper end of the rod; a spring placed around the rod in the tube; a strap secured to the lower end of the rod; and the bit; substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature 20 in presence of two witnesses.

JOHN A. REILS.

\Vitnesses:

EPHRAIM D. PRATT, J r., O. L. THOMAS. 

